Pfizer to Pay US Authorities $23 Million to Settle Illegal Kickbacks to Patients

Pfizer to Pay US Authorities $23 Million to Settle Illegal Kickbacks to Patients

Pfizer, one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical co. and drug maker, has agreed to pay $23.85 million to U.S. authorities to settle claims of indirect kickbacks to patients. The U.S. pharmaceutical co. was alleged to have donated and used a foundation to co-pay Pfizer drugs for patients to generate revenue and to increase the price of the drug.

” Pfizer to Pay US Authorities $23 Million to Settle Illegal Kickbacks to Patients “

Instead of providing Sutent and Inlyta under existing Pfizer free drug program, a third-party pharmacy company was used to redirect patient to a foundation in which the co. had donated to, for financial assistance to co-pay the use of the drug Tikosyn. The actions prevented patients from accessing free drugs (Sutent and Inlyta), increasing the cost of co-pay for patients. The drug price had also increased by over 40% in just 3 months in 2015, increasing revenue for the company.

The investigation was conducted by the Justice Department’s Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts and other U.S. authorities. The $23.85 million settlements are allegations and Pfizer claims no liability on the case.